Systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of restaurant menu calorie labeling

M.W. Long, D.K. Tobias, A.L. Cradock, H. Batchelder and S.L. Gortmaker

American Journal of Public Health, 2015, vol. 105, issue 5, e11-e24

Abstract: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the relationship between menu calorie labeling and calories ordered or purchased in the PubMed, Web of Science, PolicyFile, and PAIS International databases through October 2013. Among 19 studies, menu calorie labeling was associated witha-18.13kilocalorie reduction ordered per meal with significant heterogeneity across studies (95% confidence interval = -33.56, -2.70; P=.021; I2= 61.0%). However, among 6 controlled studiesin restaurant settings, labeling was associated with a nonsignificant -7.63 kilocalorie reduction (95% confidence interval = -21.02, 5.76; P=.264; I2= 9.8%). Although current evidence does not support a significant impact on calories ordered, menu calorie labeling is a relatively low-cost education strategy that may lead consumers to purchase slightly fewer calories. These findings are limited by significant heterogeneity among nonrestaurant studies and few studies conducted in restaurant settings.

Keywords: caloric intake; catering service; decision making; fast food; food packaging; food preference; human; meta analysis; procedures, Choice Behavior; Energy Intake; Fast Foods; Food Labeling; Food Preferences; Humans; Restaurants (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (28)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2015.302570_2

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302570

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